The ID. Polo is finally here, and it might be a big shift for VW
After years of teasing affordable electric cars, Volkswagen has finally pulled the covers off something that I was personally very keen on seeing: the all-new ID. Polo. And unlike a lot of other concepts we’ve been shown before, this one looks pretty much market ready and good to go. The Polo name carries some serious […]
MG4 EV Urban Lands in New Zealand
MG Motor NZ launches the MG4 EV Urban at $38,990 with test drives from 1 May. Same badge, different car and a sharper EV value proposition than most.
Freelander 8 Unveiled in China (and it’s kind of a Chery)
The Freelander name is back, reimagined as a premium, technology-forward SUV aimed at global markets, and the production‑intent Freelander 8 has just made its global debut in China. The reborn brand is a joint venture between Chery and Jaguar Land Rover, with the vehicle built at Chery Jaguar Land Rover’s Changshu plant, signalling a cross‑continental […]
80 Years In, Vespa Revisits the Archives with New Editions
There’s a tendency for anniversary editions to lean heavily on nostalgia and little else. Vespa’s 80 year milestone avoids that trap by introducing new models scaffolded in actual history, a surrounding line of accessories and plenty to talk about. April 23rd, 1946 marks the official birth of Vespa, when the first scooters rolled out of […]
GWM’s Multi-verse
Following its prominent display at AutoChina 2026, GWM hosted a media briefing at its R&D Centre in Baoding, China, to further explain the foundational technological pillars and strategic vision underpinning its next generation of vehicles. Nicole Wu, CTO of GWM, presented a comprehensive overview of the company’s advancements, signaling a transformative trajectory in smart mobility. […]
Nissan’s bold NEV SUV push – two fresh concepts put China centre stage
At Auto China 2026 Nissan ripped the covers off two electrified SUV concepts, the Urban SUV PHEV Concept and the returning Terrano PHEV Concept, signalling a rapid NEV (new energy vehicle) offensive aimed squarely at China and beyond. These concepts pair contemporary SUV styling with plug-in hybrid tech and telegraph production versions within a year. […]
From Baoding with Love – Amore Hotel China Review
AMORE HOTEL, Baoding – Where Industry Meets Indulgence (and Somehow Nails Both) Baoding isn’t trying to impress you. It doesn’t have the flash of Shanghai or the polished swagger of Beijing. But that’s part of its charm. Because this city (home to nearly 12 million people and sitting a casual 90 miles southwest of the […]
BMW & MINI Make EV Charging Effortless in NZ with ‘Plug & Charge’
BMW Group New Zealand has partnered with ChargeNet to introduce Plug & Charge, a first-of-its-kind charging solution for BMW and MINI EV drivers in New Zealand, designed to eliminate the fiddly bits of public charging and get you back on the road faster. What Plug & Charge actually does for drivers The core promise is […]
All-New Toyota RAV4 – NZ Launch and First Drive Review
Here at Tarmac Life, we go out of our way to bring you reviews. Case in point is the all-new Toyota RAV4 NZ launch and first review. Not only did I have to give up my weekend (and leave my loving family at home), but also travel over many kms of Kiwi road surfaces (some […]
GWM offers a future for Diesels and Two Homes for their V8
If you were expecting Great Wall Motor to toe the industry line (full EV, minimal noise, maximum compliance) GWM Chairman Jack Wei clearly didn’t get that memo. Because sitting down with him for an intimate interview at Auto China 2026, he laid out something far more interesting, a strategy that zigzags where others go straight. […]